Diocesan News

Catholic conference attracts 1500

02-28-2017

By Tara Brelinsky

For the 14th year, the Ignited by Truth Catholic Conference brought the light of truth of the teachings of the Catholic Church to Raleigh, NC. On February 24 and 25 the Raleigh Convention Center filled with 1500 attendees seeking to catch a spark.

Friday night's program featured Ken Hensley's presentation on evangelizing the atheist followed by Fr. Philip Bochanski's talk about an authentically Catholic response to homosexuality. The evening program also included a Young Adult Event from 8-11pm with the D’Ambrosio Brothers, live music by local Catholic musician Dana Catherine, food and fellowship.

Mr. Hensley returned on Saturday to share his explanation of how Protestant arguments don't stand up to challenges in “Luther: The Rest of the Story.” Author of 33 Days to Morning Glory and other well-known Catholic books, Fr. Michael Gaitley spoke on Fatima and revealed “The Second Greatest Story Ever Told.” Greg and Julie Alexander rounded out the afternoon by telling the audience how “God Saves Marriages.”

During the latter half of the day, 250 high school and middle school students broke out into two different tracks. They enjoyed Dana Catherine's live music and learned about Jesus from Catholic Youth Speakers/Musicians Marcellino and Anthony D'Ambrosio and runway model Leah Darrow.

There was a hardly a dry eye or clear throat in the main conference room when former Planned Parenthood director turned pro-life advocate, Abby Johnson, described the workings of the nation's biggest abortion provider. Mrs. Johnson, who now heads a ministry to help other abortion clinic workers leave the industry, had a call to action for the audience. Leah Darrow also told her personal story as a prodigal daughter returning to the faith of her Father. The speaker series finished with the Diocese of Raleigh's own newly ordained Fr. Philip Johnson, who spoke on the importance of prayer during suffering.

This year's full Catholic conference included a chapel for Eucharistic adoration, the availability of confession throughout the day and Holy Mass celebrated by Msgr. Michael Shugrue. Attendees had access to a wide array of Catholic services and products in the vendor area, including In His Name Catholic Bookstore, Divine Mercy Radio and Reply Ob/Gyn & Fertility.

Were you there? Are you thirsting for more or do you wish you'd brought a friend with you to hear the good news? Or maybe you weren't able to attend the full conference this year. Register now for Ignited by Truth's next speaker series event on April 29, 2017. Jesse Romero will speak on spiritual warfare and Catholic evangelization at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Greenville, NC. This event will be presented in both English and Spanish.

Stay plugged into all upcoming events by subscribing to the IBT mailing list, bookmarking www.IgnitedByTruth.org online and following IBT on social media.